Swartz Creek Area Chamber of Commerce prospers in '08, looks forward to '09

Tim Jagielo | The Community NewspapersErnie Eckerdt of Elegant Catering buys 50-50 raffle tickets from Chamber Ambassador Susie Kietzman, contributing to the $130 made and donated from selling tickets.

SWARTZ CREEK, Michigan — As the Swartz Creek Area Chamber of Commerce enters its second year, President Raul Alvarez said it has more than doubled its membership goal, and will hit 100 members next month.

More than 100 people packed Cage Sports on Miller Road for the chamber's monthly lunch meeting Tuesday. Alvarez said the chamber's board of directors originally hoped for 40 members by the end of 2008, but got 93.

"You come to one of these meetings and see the energy," he said as he gestured toward the crowd.

The chamber's board members work as volunteers and there is no paid staff to manage the group, he said. Ambassadors visit businesses to spread the word about the chamber, and that has brought in new members.

"We have a very active group, and it has to be — we don't have any paid staff," he said.

Alvarez said the chamber now faces some growing pains as it finds ways to cultivate business in the area and continue to expand.

Members have suggested creating a nonprofit group forlocal charities. The chamber recently partnered with the Genesee Area Skills Center to teach students entrepreneurial skills.

Michael Crawford, entrepreneur instructor at the Genesee Area Skills Center's Technology Center said its partnership with the chamber is a first for the center.

Tim Jagielo | The Community NewspapersLarry Bush, coordinator for Swartz Creek Hometown Days gives chamber members a preview of this year's festival and entertainment.

The high school juniors and seniors from across the county get a wider perspective through the partnership, he said. A handful of students attend the chamber's meetings, and one student will become a non-voting member of the Board of Directors.

"It's been truly pretty cool," Crawford said.

Alvarez also plans to give more assistance to local organizations this year. In 2008, the chamber raised $5,000 for local organization like the Boy Scouts, Swartz Creek Cares About Teens and the American Cancer Society. It also is a partner in Swartz Creek Hometown Days.

"That's what this is all about," he said. "All of this fulfills the mission and then some."

Alvarez said the chamber will offer informational meetings for members this year about topics like winterizing a home and emergency preparedness.

Anna Rosenthal, management assistant at Enterprise Rent-A-Car in Fenton, is a member of the Fenton Regional Chamber of Commerce, but tries to get involved in other area chambers. "It takes a little, but then it builds and then everyone knows we're here, and we know who's out there," she said.

Leo Solano, financial adviser at UPS Financial Services on Linden Road in Flint Township, has been a member of the chamber for more than a year. He said Alvarez's energy drew him to the group.

"It's fantastic," he said.

Joe Kudwa, owner of Agroscaping on Grand Blanc Road in Mundy Township, said the chamber has opened doors for his business that weren't there before.

"You get a lot of connection with other business owners," he said.

He has met new clients through the chamber, and found new businesses to buy locally from, he said.

"What better way to share than with someone in your organization," he said.

Alvarez said local business owners call him to find out who is in the chamber so they can support one another.